On Sept. 16, Sheriff David Taylor received a complaint that an arrestee had been assaulted while being booked into the Union County Jail by jail officer Kenneth Knox. Taylor immediately contacted the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to assist in the investigation of the complaint.

SLED Investigators determined that Knox did assault the arrestee and conferred with 16th Circuit Solicitor Kevin Brackett. Brackett agreed there was probable cause to charge the Knox with assault and battery, third-degree (misdemeanor).

According to the arrest warrant, Knox assaulted the victim by “placing his hands about the face of the victim and rubbing without the victim’s consent.”

Taylor stated that Knox has been employed with the Union County Jail since Oct. 28, 2011.

Knox has been suspended without pay since the reported incident occurred on Sept. 16, and will remain on suspension without pay pending the disposition of the judicial process.

Knox turned himself into the Union County Jail on Thursday, Oct. 10, and was released on bond.

— A resident of Beltline Road, Union, reported on Oct. 10 that a 16 ft. black, wood-bottom trailer valued at $1,000 was taken from his residence. The trailer was last seen on Oct. 9.

— A resident of Osbourne Street, Union, reported on Oct. 10 that her four-month-old brindle pit bull dog was taken from inside her residence while she was away. She stated all the doors were locked, and she believes entry was made through a window in the front of the residence. The dog was valued at $500.